Filtration, Stocking, Plants

[Mike&Diana]

First, let me give tank parameters.
-40 Gallon Breeder
-MSF 304 Fluval Canister
-1.5 W per gallon lighting
-Nutrafin CO2 system
-Sand substrate
-PH 8.0
-Temp 78 F

I currently have 3 yellow labs and 3 peacocks(Aulonocara baenschi). I started with 4 of each but one of each died to unkown causes. I also have a pleco in there that just hides all day. My first question is, can I get more fish? My second question is, is my tank over filtered? The canister I have running on it provides a pretty huge current. Do these fish prefer a big or little current? They don't seem to struggle getting through it, but often times seem to be "exercising" by swimming into the current constantly. I don't want to stress my fish out by making too many waves. Since I am over filtered, can I get more fish? Or is 6 the maximum I should attempt?

I also have plants.. They don't seam to bother them at all. However, I am having difficulty growing them under the weak lighting. I have read that if you don't have at least 2 WPG then CO2 should not be used? Is this true? I also have algae problems due to the plants not growing. I've considering scrapping the plants altogether and moving them to another tank.

I also have texas holey rock in the tank. If I remove the plants, the tank might look a bit empty. Is there another type of rock I can add to "fill out the tank" that won't cost me an arm and a leg. Thank you all very very much for your time and help.

Mike

 

[freddyk]

By all means you have room to increase the number of labs - double their number. They do best in a group and I think you'll agree once you do it. As for rock - it depends on where you are and what you can get. Limestone is generally very cheap and has the same affect. When it comes to plants you'd do yourself a favour if you left plants alone in this tank and tried it in another with fish better suited for it.